Heaney returns to the Dodgers with postseason eligibility; team activates Kim Ha-seong and Kopech.

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Los Angeles Dodgers reunited with veteran left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney today. The team has not officially announced the transaction. Because the deal was made before the Monday noon deadline (US time), Heaney qualifies to participate in the postseason for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers also took two other moves today to prepare for the expanded 28-man roster: they activated Korean utility player Kim Ha-seong and right-handed reliever Michael Kopech from the injured list.

The 34-year-old Heaney was designated for assignment and released by the Pittsburgh Pirates last week. He appeared in 26 games (23 starts) for the Pirates, recording a 5-10 record with a 5.39 ERA. Although he posted a strong 3.33 ERA over his first 14 starts this season, his ERA ballooned to 9.21 since June 19, leading to his reassignment to the bullpen.

One of Heaney’s best career seasons came in 2022 during his first stint with the Dodgers when he posted a 3.10 ERA across 16 appearances (14 starts). The following year, he helped the Texas Rangers win the World Series and earned the win in Game 4 of the Fall Classic.

This signing appears to be a move by the Dodgers to add depth to their roster, as their current starting rotation is at its healthiest and most effective this season. Given that the team is already using a six-man rotation and has other starting options available, Heaney is more likely to be utilized as a reliever. If all goes as planned, he might not make the postseason roster but will serve as a backup if needed.

The Dodgers’ bullpen is moving in the right direction and has been further strengthened with Kopech’s return, though its performance has been inconsistent for much of the year. The Dodgers’ relievers have pitched the most innings in the majors at 564, posting a 4.16 ERA, which ranks tied for 18th. While the rotation’s stability has somewhat eased the bullpen’s workload, questions remain about the unit’s overall reliability.

Kim Ha-seong was placed on the 10-day injured list at the end of July due to left shoulder bursitis. Before his injury, he was hitting .304 with a .744 OPS. Primarily a second baseman and center fielder, he may also see playing time in left field in the future. Kopech began the season on the injured list as well; after returning, he threw seven scoreless innings in June but later underwent surgery for a torn right knee meniscus and was placed back on the injured list. As a pitcher approaching free agency, Kopech is expected to be a reliable bullpen asset for the Dodgers toward the end of the season.